Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Bella made these yesterday while I was driving Felix back to school. She was going to do them like we usually do doughnuts, in the cast iron Dutch oven on the stovetop. But the farther away I drove the more the thought of her frying doughnuts without me there got me kind of nervous, so I called. "Don't tip all that hot oil over on yourself" I told her. "And don't trust the candy thermometer. I don't think it's accurate. And if the pan catches on fire turn off the burner and put the lid on. And if you burn yourself badly have Clara call 911!"

I got off the phone. Felix said, "Well, I'd be freaking out."

I called her back. "Why don't you just make them in the electric skillet? Just set the control to the right temperature." Bella sounded relieved that I had reverted to my normal state of not worrying.

They came out really, really fine. There's a caramel candy hiding in each of these. Recipe is from Everyday Foods.

Pass one over to me. I'll enjoy it with a tall glass of milk. :) I understand your nervousness. My 3 year old has recently taken his culinary education seriously and insists on making his own peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches. I am only allowed to fetch the ingredients and place them within his reach. He must be allowed to fetch the butter knife (in the same drawer as the sharp ones, though they are safely separated) and do all the dipping and spreading himself. I do my best not to hover, however the first time, he did pile the peanutbutter on the bread a good inch and a half thick!!

Well, I wouldn't worry too much either, but at the same time, when I was almost exactly Bella's age, I made doughnuts as a surprise (!) for my mother when she was away. {We'd made them in home ec that day in school and I was inspired.} I actually did set the kitchen on fire, but somehow put it out, and I can't recall now if it involved salt or what. I didn't use the fire extinguisher. New family rule arose: no making doughnuts without explicit maternal consent & direction. Electric skillet=good idea.

We are in a melted caramel season at our house....Make up a big crock full and store in small containers in the fridge for quick warming in the microwave.Quite "by accident" you can find the most interesting things to dip into the lusciousness~pretzel sticks...fresh pineapple wedges...and of course, apple slices...drizzle warmed caramel over banana cake before baking...hidden caramel in a pumpkin muffin.O the endless possibilities!{{* *}}

Hi Anna, these look absolutely 'deliscrumptious'!(can you tell I 've been reading too much R.Dahl with my little one?)I wanted to mention that I got 'Hold on to your kids' from the library after I saw it mentioned here, and I am delighted-its such an insightful and important book-Thanks for sharing about this-Annamaria

YUM! And what a good mom to worry. Should my children have the cooking talent of your girls, I don't think I'd ever forgot my friend burning herself frying taco shells at age 9! I wish I had some of these gorgeous treats for my breakfast tomorrow!

I see the enclosed style deep fat fryers at my thrift store all the time - they look like they have never been used! My mom bought one for us about 18 years ago and it was well used for the first few years of pastoral ministry! Our youth group had to be fed, you know, and there is nothing cheaper or more satisfying than a fresh batch of donuts. Or two. I miss my donut making days - I should dig out the fryer and surprise the children!

To test the accuracy of a thermometer - as long as it has freezing (32 degrees) on there. Fill a bowl with ice. Add water. Let it sit for a few minutes and get a nice cold mix of ice and water (you must use both). Then set the thermometer in the bowl. If accurate, it will read 32 degrees. If it reads differently, just adjust the numbers in your head as needed each time you use it.Blessings,Patti

Feel free to Pin my photos, but please link back to the page you found them on.

Photography

Photography is an important part of life at my house. Photos that appear here are taken by Giles, by the Composer, and by me. Giles is a real, paid photographer, and he uses a Sony Alpha. Most of the photography prior to September 2008 is his. Since then I have done most of the shooting and I use a Konica Minolta. Additionally, the Composer offers me nice shots on occasion, often from his little Canon point and shoot. I've given up trying to note who's done what. Thanks for your interest!